Big news for ocean lovers! This week, China officially applied to host the secretariat of the landmark United Nations Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction Agreement—aka the High Seas Treaty—in the coastal city of Xiamen 🌊. As of 21 January 2026, the treaty has entered into force with 82 parties plus the European Union, marking a huge step for protecting marine life beyond national waters.
Why Xiamen? Famous for its foodie scene (hello, seafood lovers 🦐!), tech hubs, and chill seaside vibe, Xiamen ticks all the boxes for a dynamic host city. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday that Xiamen’s modern infrastructure and strong commitment to sustainable ocean governance make it an ideal pick.
So what’s the High Seas Treaty? In simple terms, it’s the first global accord dedicated to conserving biodiversity in the open ocean—areas beyond any single country’s borders. Think of it as a UN action plan for saving whales, corals, and all the amazing creatures that call the deep blue home.
For young pros and students across South and Southeast Asia, this treaty is more than diplomatic talk. It’s about the future of our plate (sustainable seafood!), our weekend getaways (clean beaches!), and even climate resilience (oceans absorb tons of CO2 🌍). Hosting the HQ in Xiamen could boost regional research, tech innovations in marine science, and eco-tourism partnerships.
Next steps? Member states will review China’s bid in the coming months. If approved, Xiamen would become the nerve center for coordinating marine conservation efforts, data sharing, and scientific collaboration worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on how this wave of change could shape the seas and our coastal communities.
Reference(s):
China applies to host UN ocean biodiversity treaty secretariat in Xiamen
cgtn.com
